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This article originally appeared in the summer 2015 Harker Quarterly.
The 65th annual Family & Alumni Picnic promises to be a fabulous day of fun, food and festivities for the entire Harker community. This year the event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11 on the middle school campus.
This year’s Harvest Festival will focus on “Fall-o-ween” fun, celebrating summer turning into fall. The event will bring together Harker families, faculty and staff and will feature fall- and Halloween-themed activities and entertainment.
Guests young and old are invited to wear their spookiest (or not so spooky) costumes and take part in our lively parade. We’ll also have photo opportunities perfect for capturing memories of our dressed-up guests.
Returning from last year will be the thrilling Witches’ Flight, for those ages 5 (and 45 pounds) and up. This 220-foot long zip line ride lets brave souls take in the sights and sounds of the Harvest Festival from 30-feet up! And be sure to enjoy old favorites like the student performances and the silent auction.
So save the date for this special day for the Harker community, put on for our families with the support of our dedicated volunteers and our terrific faculty and staff.
Each year students flock to the picnic’s auction table to bid on fun outings sponsored by their enthusiastic teachers. Here’s a recap of three of those adventures!
Middle School Pool Party
On May 17, 13 grade 6 students enjoyed a pool party, auctioned by middle school teachers Patricia Burrows, Keith Hirota, Rebecca Williams and Julie Pinzás.
Besides splashing and lounging together in the pool, the students listened to music, and ate pizza. savory snacks and ice cream sandwiches.
Two of the students had just returned from the exchange trip to Harker’s sister school in Tamagawa, Japan. “What a great way to get back into the social Harker scene!” enthused Burrows.
Best vs. Faculty Kickball
On April 10, more than 20 fans were on hand to witness the Bucknall BEST staff defeat the Bucknall faculty 6-4 in the third annual kickball game. BEST left fielder Pat Hopkins earned MVP honors for his four-hit performance, and captain Troy Townzen – who was traded to the faculty last season and then back to the BEST staff – won his record third-straight championship.
The event also featured a trading card giveaway, with every fan through the turnstiles receiving a card of their favorite BEST staff member, and lots of fun activities for attendees. Kindergartner Aiden Harshman won the inaugural Base Race and earned himself a Joe Chung (elementary computer science) commemorative “Honor the
Game” T-shirt. Sofie Marino, grade 2, was the raffle’s big winner, going home with an official Harker League kickball signed by the home team.
High Tea Outing
A week before her retirement, grade 2 teacher Judi Beil shared an outing with Samvita Gautham and Alexis Nishimura, both grade 4. The trio enjoyed high tea at Lisa’s Tea Treasures on May 31. “The girls were delightful, and ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ at the beautiful Victorian décor. It was such a pleasure,” said Beil.